Introduction: The temperature of the blood and its components during storage or processing is a very important factor affecting hemolysis. During storage, leukocytes break down and release a number of chemicals and enzymes, that have been reported to lysis RBC. With increasing duration of storage, the change of RBC shape becomes permanent. RBCs from different species behave differently during storage. So, this study aimed to investigate the histological effects of storage duration and temperature on the rabbit blood cells.
Material and Methods: Blood samples from five adult male healthy rabbits were divided into (Group I) stored at 4 Ċ for 12 and 48 hours, (Group ІІ) at a room temperature of about 24 Ĉ for 12 and 48 hours and (Group ІІІ) at 36 Ċ for 12 and 48 hours. Blood films made and stained by Leishman's stain immediately as a control group (A), after 12 hours (B) and after 48 hours (C) from each group respectively and examined for any morphological changes. Leukocytes counted totally immediately as a control group (A), after 12 hours (B) and after 48 hours (C) from each group respectively for detection of any histological changes.
Results: no morphological changes of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets of group І was observed. The changes of mean of total leukocytic counts of group І were non significant. Changes in total leukocytic counts and morphology of red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets of groups ІІ and ІІІ were observed. The morphological degenerative changes of group ІІ involved red blood cells, neutrophils and platelets at 12 and 48 hours. The morphological degenerative changes of group ІІІ involved red blood cells and leukocytes at 12 and 48 hours. The mean of total leukocytic counts of group ІІ was significantly decreased at 48 hours while the mean of total leukocytic counts of group ІІІ was significantly decreased at 12 and 48 hours.
Conclusion: blood samples from rabbits should be tested within 12 hours of collection if stored at a room temperature of about 24 Ċ. Where testing is to be delayed for more than 12 hours, samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Exposure of samples to heat in excess of 24 Ċ should be avoided at all times.